Private, safe, life-saving: Bungoma women now test for HPV at home

HPV self-testing brings private, safe, and accessible cervical cancer screening to women. [File Courtesy]

For decades, Jane Anyona, 42, avoided cervical cancer screening. The thought of hospitals, medical instruments, and the uncertainty of results filled her with dread.

“I was embarrassed and worried about the procedures,” she admits. “I just kept putting it off.”

That fear, however, has now given way to empowerment. Thanks to the rollout of HPV-DNA self-sampling in Bungoma County, women like Jane can test themselves for the virus that causes cervical cancer—safely, privately, and conveniently.

“I can do it at home. It feels private and safe. Finally, I feel I am taking control of my health,” she says.

The initiative is part of the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services in Africa programme, a partnership between the Ministry of Health under the National Cancer Control Programme, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Bungoma County’s government. It has already expanded to Nyandarua County.

Self-sampling allows women to collect their own HPV samples at home or at health facilities.

This innovation removes cultural barriers, reduces hospital congestion, and, most importantly, gives women agency over their health.

Dr Diviniza Ochwila, senior reproductive health officer at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, explains that screening was previously conducted exclusively by healthcare providers.

Dr Diviniza Ochwila, senior reproductive health officer at Bungoma County Referral Hospital. [File Courtesy]

“The county has adopted HPV-DNA self-sample collection, where women can collect samples themselves at the hospital or in the privacy of their homes,” she said, noting that the method is more comfortable and client-friendly, encouraging greater participation.

To reach women in remote areas, Community Health Promoters (CHPs) play a critical role.

They collect testing kits from health facilities, distribute them in villages, provide guidance on their use, and then retrieve the samples for laboratory analysis.

Quick results

“Currently, CHPs collect the HPV-DNA kits from facilities, guide women on how to use them, and then re-collect the samples for laboratory screening,” Ochwila confirmed.

According to her, one of the programme’s major advantages is the speed of results. Samples are analysed within 24 hours, enabling rapid follow-up and care where necessary.

This is vital in a country where cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, after breast cancer.

Cervical cancer develops over time due to genetic mutations, with risks increased by factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, recurrent infections, and family history.

About 80 per cent of women who test positive carry HPV types 16 or 18, the strains most strongly linked to the disease.

Women who test positive undergo further assessment, including visual examination of the cervix, to determine next steps in care.

Ochwila said that regular screening remains the most effective way to detect the disease early, with recommendations of screening every five years for the general population and every two years for immunocompromised women, including those living with HIV.

Beyond cervical cancer, Bungoma County Referral Hospital integrates other health checks into the screening process. Women are also assessed for mental health, diabetes, and hypertension, ensuring a holistic approach.

“A woman may come for cervical cancer screening and be fine, but we discover she has high blood pressure. Many women are walking around without knowing their health status,” Ochwila notes.

Single-dose regimen

Prevention also includes HPV vaccinations for girls aged 10 to 14 years. Initially requiring two doses, the programme now uses a single-dose regimen, with parents urged to ensure eligible girls are vaccinated.

Ochwila highlights warning signs of cervical cancer, such as abnormal bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, unusually heavy menstruation, and lower abdominal pain, while cautioning that these symptoms can also indicate other conditions.

“Proper screening and medical evaluation are critical before making a diagnosis,” she emphasises.

Each self-sampling kit includes a sterile swab, preservative solution, gloves, a biohazard bag, and clear instructions.

Samples can be safely stored and transported at temperatures between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius for up to one month.

While most HPV infections resolve on their own, about 20 per cent of untreated high-risk cases can progress to cancer, making early testing and follow-up essential.

For Jane, the innovation has transformed more than her health; it has given her peace of mind.

“I no longer fear the hospital or the tests. I feel empowered knowing I am taking care of myself,” she said.

Her story reflects the promise of HPV self-sampling, a simple, private, and life-saving tool that could change the future for women across the country and beyond.